Brain Bank

Brain Bank Program for the General Public

In order to find the key to treating Tourette Syndrome, scientists must be able to fully understand the brain’s basic biochemistry. This can only be done by studying actual brain tissue. The critical question is — how do you go about getting brain tissue to study?

A Shortage of Brain Tissue to Study

Since the discussion of tissue donation can be such a sensitive subject—many people would rather not even talk about it, let alone register as donors—it’s not surprising that brain tissue is in short supply for research. This critical shortage of brain tissue is frustrating scientists, and slowing progress in understanding the physical causes of Tourette Syndrome.

You Can Help

By registering your intent to donate brain tissue you will ultimately help provide samples that researchers urgently need to pursue promising studies. Registering as a donor does not, in any way, affect the medical treatment you receive.

Because the majority of brain pathology studies are carried out on a very small piece of tissue, each donated brain provides a large and very valuable amount of material that can be distributed among many different researchers.

To support the great progress being made in Tourette research, the Tourette Association is asking its constituents and family members to consider organ donation. Working together with the Harvard Brain Tissue Resources Center, we hope to advance research and improve the lives of children and adults with Tourette and Tic Disorders everywhere.